"I went specially to this pagoda as I understood that it was up in the hills and had nice views. It is about half way up an east-facing hill but I didn't find any viewpoints because the jungle in which it sits obscures much of the view. The pagoda itself was a sleepy place at 8 a.m. Everything was open and no one stopped me walking around. A couple of young novice monks lolled in hammocks. The tourist gift shop was opening up. The garish colours of the temple and surrounding statues made for some nice pictures."

Su Muong Pagoda

The Su Muong Pagoda - is about 5 km from Duong Dong town to the east, turn right on the route Duong Dong - Ham Ninh. Then visitors will catch sight of Su Muon Pagoda. It's an ancient pagoda with unique architecture. The pagoda is also known as Hung long temple belonging to the VietNam Buddhist Sangha Congregation. It was established by the monk Nguyen Kim Muon, who was originally an accountant in Dong Duong Bank. He attempted to reform the way of practicing Buddhism in modern Society. In 1932 while looking for a quiet place for a religious practicing foundation, he used to live on such island as Phu Quoc where many people followed him to become Buddhists.

The first impression on this pagoda is its peace, magnificence, and solemnity. The pagoda is located halfway up a hill in the
centre of a verdant forest with a splendid scenery. Behind the pagoda are mountains with sky high ancient trees. The sanctum is built on 3 meter thick stone, and the altar is inside, where the local people worship Buddha. To get to the sanctum, visitors must climb up over 60 stone steps. On the pagoda ground is a big rock which by human imagination, its colours and design, turns into a kowtowing tiger.
This pagoda is a great place to visit if you need a break from the beach. There is also a fat and playful Buddha statue just outside the main hall as well.

The funny Buddha

Looking down to the mountain slope from the balcony of the pagoda, visitors can recognize an amazing panorama right under their their foot. While enjoying mountain winds murmuring through trees, visitors' souls seem to be so purified and fly up to the nirvana.
At the Su Muong Pagoda you will find many colourful statues, a nice walking path that takes you up a hill where you will find a great view of the surrounding forested area, as well as a gift shop and small restaurant.
There is no fee to visit this site.

"It had been difficult to find (I was on a bike) so I will give the following directions in case any
reader wants to take a look. Head south-east on the main road out of Duong Dong towards Ham Ninh. You pass the pepper farms and then pass
under a large gantry which marks the end of town. About 500 meters after this gantry on the right hand side of the road there is an
ornamental gate (pink/green/red) set back from the road by several meters. The gate is surmounted by dragons and the lintel bears the
words HUNG LONG TU, then CHUA SU MUON. Turn right onto the single track road through this gate and it will lead you up the hill to the pagoda's car park."